ZELLO

Swedish band from the mid-90's,based in Karlshamn.Their singer P.O. Saether was a member of various small Hard Rock/Rock bands since 1975,other members were keyboardist Anders Altzarfeld, Lennart Glenberg Eriksson on violin,bass player Danne Lindell and drummer Svetlan Raket.Their self-titled debut from 1996 was released on the Swedish label APM.

Six mid- to short-length tracks with six very short intros between them is the type the band chose to present their musicianship in a short album of 40 minutes.With heavy use of keyboards and violin and played in a rather groovy style,Zello draws influences from the dynamic Hard Prog style of KANSAS,the vintage feeling of BLACK BONZO and the catchy Art Rock approach of fellow natives A.C.T. with a singer delivering a very Hard Rock/AOR type of singing (and some cheesy performances as well): Driving powerful violins,smooth mellotrons,swirling Hammond organ and a steady tight rhythm section guarantee a fine music experience.And while the album sounds very fresh and modern,the presence of organs and the mellotron still add a retro-aesthetic to ''Zello''.However the band is a level lower than the depth of KANSAS' arrangements,the beauty of A.C.T.'s songwriting and the composition skills of BLACK BONZO.

''Zello'' is an album written with much joy, energy and respect to the band's influences and will be a more than pleasant experience for anyone seeking for highly energetic still quite accesible Prog/Art Rock.Recommended.